24 Sep 19 ? ? (It’s
wise not to reveal a woman’s age!)
Beatriz Vigil Romero
went into labor and for the first time in her childbearing years hopped in a
car and went to Alamosa to an actual hospital to have her 11th and
what would be to prove her last child. Marie Elizabeth they called her. As
the last of eleven children, she had sisters who would serve as mentors and
nieces who would become her closest friends and companions.
Abel I. Vigil Sr.
instilled in all of his children a sense of confidence and pride. Perhaps
being the last in line, these characteristics were particularly taught to
“Betty,” as she came to be known by all.
She could be
“perfect” and, in the eyes of her father, she was the picture of perfection.
Nothing was too good for his little girl. He taught her she could achieve
anything she desired. She was capable of conquering the world in his eyes and,
in time, she came to believe she could do the same.
The story of a little
girl who left a small town for boarding school at an early age was just the
start of Betty’s story. Her father negotiated with Menaul High School in Albuquerque
to pay her way with beef and potatoes. This, along with work she did at the school,
gave her an opportunity of a lifetime, an opportunity to break out of a small town
which held no future for her.
Quickly her beauty
and confidence attracted the eye of Robert “Bobby” McBride. Together they made
a great couple, he athletic and charming; she beautiful and vivacious. After
graduating from high school, they both went to the University of New Mexico and
soon were married. The service took them to San Antonio, Texas where their
prodigal son, yours truly, was born (Hahahaha). Shortly thereafter, they moved
back to Albuquerque where Betty began teaching school and Bobby went to law
school. As an English teacher, Betty was in her element. She loved her
subject and loved her students. While it took her a little while to gain their
respect, as she was only a few years older than most of her students, she
taught with enthusiasm.
To Betty, teaching
wasn’t just a job. It was her passion. She reveled in her prose and her
poetry. Her excitement for what she did had a positive affect on many of the
students who passed through her classroom. She prepared diligently for her
classes and threw herself into her work
Her love for poetry
inspired her to write. Her love for the spoken word moved her to memorize
passages in the countless works which she would later teach to her students.
She thrived, her smile brightened and she was respected by her fellow teachers
and loved by her students.
Betty lived what
her father had preached. Perfection perhaps to a fault, we may now ask in
retrospect? Anything less than absolute perfection just didn’t cut it for
Betty. Maybe it was this character trait which caused Betty to be
unnecessarily harsh on herelf when she was unable to live up to her father’s or
her own expectations. On the positive side, it drove her drove her to be the
best she could be. Second best was never an option. If anything was worth
doing, it was worth doing right to be the best in the business.
Betty later met and
fell in love with a wonderful man. Dave Mott, a Marine through and through. Perhaps
it was the dedication and honor which exudes from his soul which attracted Betty
the most. He is a noble and honest soul who came into her life at just the
right time to sweep her off her feet. He proved without a shadow of a doubt he
was with her through thick and in thin, through trials and tribulations.
Betty lived for her
children and her grandchildren. Her life revolved around their needs and
desires. There was nobody and nothing which would stand in her way to do whatever
she could for her offspring and their children. Together Betty and Dave
traveled wherever it was necessary to show their love and support regardless of
the circumstances.
Betty lived life on
her terms and to the best of her ability. When she was diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer, she decided she did not want to go through chemotherapy and
radiation. She wanted to “die with dignity,” and she did. In her own home
which meant so much to her and in her own room, she passed quietly and
peacefully… We should all be so luck as to live our lives as Betty lived hers.
Betty shall live on in our hearts and in our souls forever as the vibrant and
vivacious lady who brought smiles to our faces with her famous “Betty smile.”
This book is a small
memorial to the life of a lady who lived every day to the fullest and to the
best of her ability. I give personal thanks to every single person who ever
made my mother smile… and for those who knew Betty, you know that is a lot of
people!! Also to everyone who took the time to call and send messagers,
prayers and positive energy particularly during her last months which were so
difficult for us all. Support came flowing in from the far reaches of the
universe…
I thank you all!
Rob
Betty loved words.
Language was her
passion…
Following are some of
her favorites.
God, I thank you for
this day.
I know I have not
accomplished as yet all you expect of me, and if that is your reason for
bathing me in the fresh dew of another dawn, I am most grateful.
I am prepared, at
last, to make you proud of me.
I will forget
yesterday, with all its trials and tribulations, aggravations and setbacks,
angers and frustrations. The past is already a dream from which I can neither
retrieve a single word nor erase any foolish deeds.
I will resolve,
however, that if I have injured anyone yesterday through my thoughtlessness, I
will not let this day's sun set before I make amends, and nothing I do today
will be of greater importance.
I will not fret the
future. My success and happiness does not depend on straining to see what lurks
dimly on the horizon but to do, this day, what lies clearly at hand.
I will treasure this
day, for it is all I have. I know that its rushing hours cannot be accumulated
or stored, like precious grain, for future use.
I will live as all
good actors do when they are on stage - only in the moment. I cannot perform at
my best today by regretting my previous act's mistakes or worrying about the
scene to come.
I will embrace
today's difficult tasks, take off my coat, and make dust in the world. I will
remember that the busier I am, the less harm I am apt to suffer, the tastier
will be my food, the sweeter my sleep, and the better satisfied I will be with
my place in the world.
I will free myself
today from slavery to clock and calendar. Although I will plan this day in
order to conserve my steps and energy, I will begin to measure my life in
deeds, not years; in thoughts, not seasons; in feelings, not figures on a dial.
I will remain aware
of how little it takes to make this a happy day. Never will I pursue happiness,
because it is not a goal, just a by-product, and there is no happiness in
having or in getting; only in giving.
I will run from no
danger I might encounter today, because I am certain that nothing will happen
to me that I am not equipped to handle with your help. Just as any gem is
polished by friction, I am certain to become more valuable through this day's
adversities, and if you close one door, you always open another for me.
I will live this day
as if it were Christmas. I will be a giver of gifts and deliver to my enemies
the gift of forgiveness; my opponents, tolerance; my friends, a smile; my
children, a good example, and every gift will be wrapped with unconditional
love.
I will waste not even
a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know
that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is
always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day.
I will treat today as
a priceless violin. One may draw harmony from it and another, discord, yet no
one will blame the instrument. Life is the same, and if I play it correctly, it
will give forth beauty, but if I play it ignorantly, it will produce ugliness.
I will condition
myself to look on every problem I encounter today as no more than a pebble in
my shoe. I remember the pain, so harsh I could hardly walk, and recall my
surprise when I removed my shoe and found only a grain of sand.
I will work convinced
that nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. To do anything today
that is truly worth doing, I must not stand back shivering and thinking of the
cold and danger, but jump in with gusto and scramble through as well as I can.
I will face the world
with goals set for this day, but they will be attainable ones, not the vague,
impossible variety declared by those who make a career of failure. I realize
that you always try me with a little, first, to see what I would do with a lot.
I will never hide my
talents. If I am silent, I am forgotten, if I do not advance, I will fall back.
If I walk away from any challenge today, my self-esteem will be forever
scarred, and if I cease to grow, even a little, I will become smaller. I reject
the stationary position because it is always the beginning of the end.
I will keep a smile
on my face and in my heart even when it hurts today. I know that the world is a
looking glass and gives back to me the reflection of my own soul. Now I
understand the secret of correcting the attitude of others and that is to
correct my own.
I will turn away from
any temptation today that might cause me to break my word or my self-respect. I
am positive that the only thing I possess more valuable than my life is my
honor.
I will work this day
with all my strength, content in the knowledge that life does not consist of
wallowing in the past or peering anxiously at the future. It is appalling to
contemplate the great number of painful steps by which one arrives at a truth
so old, so obvious, and so frequently expressed. Whatever it offers, little or
much, my life is now.
I will pause whenever
I am feeling sorry for myself today, and remember that this is the only day I
have and I must play it to the fullest. What my part may signify in the great
whole, I may not recognize, but I am here to play it and now is the time.
I will count this day
a separate life. I will remember that those who have fewest regrets are those
who take each moment as it comes for all that it is worth.
This is my day! These
are my seeds.
Thank you, God, for
this precious garden of time.
~ Og Mandino
Mission: Success!
Two roads diverged in
a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not
travel both
And be one traveler,
long I stood
And looked down one
as far as I could
To where it bent in
the undergrowth;
Then took the
other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps
the better claim,
Because it was grassy
and wanted wear;
Though as for that
the passing there
Had worn them really
about the same,
And both that morning
equally lay
In leaves no step had
trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first
for another day!
Yet knowing how way
leads on to way,
I doubted if I should
ever come back.
I shall be telling
this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in
a wood, and I--
I took the one less
traveled by,
And that has made all
the difference.
- Robert Frost
To
laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the
affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure
the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in
others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a
healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played
and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has
breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.
~ Author Unknown
I
There was a time when meadow, grove, and
stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;--
Turn wheresoe'er I may,
By night or day,
The things which I have seen I now can see no
more.
II
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where'er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the
earth.
III
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,
And while the young lambs bound
As to the tabor's sound,
To me alone there came a thought of grief:
A timely utterance gave that thought relief,
And I again am strong:
The cataracts blow their trumpets from the
steep;
No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;
I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng,
The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,
And all the earth is gay;
Land and sea
Give themselves up to jollity,
And with the heart of May
Doth every Beast keep holiday;--
Thou Child of Joy,
Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou
happy
Shepherd-boy!
IV
Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call
Ye to each other make; I see
The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;
My heart is at your festival,
My head hath its coronal,
The fulness of your bliss, I feel--I feel it
all.
Oh evil day! if I were sullen
While Earth herself is adorning,
This sweet May-morning,
And the Children are culling
On every side,
In a thousand valleys far and wide,
Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm,
And the Babe leaps up on his Mother's arm:--
I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!
--But there's a Tree, of many, one,
A single Field which I have looked upon,
Both of them speak of something that is gone:
The Pansy at my feet
Doth the same tale repeat:
Whither is fled the visionary gleam?
Where is it now, the glory and the dream?
V
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Shades of the prison-house begin to close
Upon the growing Boy,
But He beholds the light, and whence it flows,
He sees it in his joy;
The Youth, who daily farther from the east
Must travel, still is Nature's Priest,
And by the vision splendid
Is on his way attended;
At length the Man perceives it die away,
And fade into the light of common day.
VI
Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own;
Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind,
And, even with something of a Mother's mind,
And no unworthy aim,
The homely Nurse doth all she can
To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man,
Forget the glories he hath known,
And that imperial palace whence he came.
VII
Behold the Child among his new-born blisses,
A six years' Darling of a pigmy size!
See, where 'mid work of his own hand he lies,
Fretted by sallies of his mother's kisses,
With light upon him from his father's eyes!
See, at his feet, some little plan or chart,
Some fragment from his dream of human life,
Shaped by himself with newly-learned art;
A wedding or a festival,
A mourning or a funeral;
And this hath now his heart,
And unto this he frames his song:
Then will he fit his tongue
To dialogues of business, love, or strife;
But it will not be long
Ere this be thrown aside,
And with new joy and pride
The little Actor cons another part;
Filling from time to time his "humorous
stage"
With all the Persons, down to palsied Age,
That Life brings with her in her equipage;
As if his whole vocation
Were endless imitation.
VIII
Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie
Thy Soul's immensity;
Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep
Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind,
That, deaf and silent, read'st the eternal
deep,
Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,--
Mighty Prophet! Seer blest!
On whom those truths do rest,
Which we are toiling all our lives to find,
In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave;
Thou, over whom thy Immortality
Broods like the Day, a Master o'er a Slave,
A Presence which is not to be put by;
Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might
Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height,
Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke
The years to bring the inevitable yoke,
Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?
Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly
freight,
And custom lie upon thee with a weight
Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
IX
O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest--
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his
breast:--
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise;
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may,
Are yet the fountain light of all our day,
Are yet a master light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.
X
Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song!
And let the young Lambs bound
As to the tabor's sound!
We in thought will join your throng,
Ye that pipe and ye that play,
Ye that through your hearts to-day
Feel the gladness of the May!
What though the radiance which was once so
bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the
flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
XI
And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and
Groves,
Forebode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the Brooks which down their channels
fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
Is lovely yet;
The Clouds that gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober colouring from an eye
That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality;
Another race hath been, and other palms are
won.
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
~ William Wordsworth
My dear Rob – there are so many
things I want to tell you. But the words don’t come readily. How clearly I
remember rthe day I learned that I would bear a child – how ecstatic I was as I
watched you being born and know that I had a son.
There is something about what
a mother’s feelings for her children. Possibly nothing else can ever compare
to that, regardless of all that happens, no one and nothing can ever take that
Love that one feels away.
Rob,
“Teach this triple
truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and
compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
-- Buddha
Rob, I read this
and thought to myself – this is exactly what Rob is doing.
Hope your two days
were rewarding! Sometimes it’s not the number of people who attend your
workshops; rather it is the benefit each got from listening to your
inspirational advice. As you so aptly quoted to me from Og Mandino – “there is
no happiness in having or getting, only in giving.” You are truly a prime
example of this – you two give so much of yourselves to all who are fortunate
to have you in their lives.
Dear
Chanty: We wish we were not so far away and that time was not flying by
so fast. We wish we could spend days like March 8 with you. We hope
you know how much you mean to us and how wonderful you are. Hope your 18th
birthday is as wonderful as you. Hope you enjoy this. We had such a
good time preparing it for you. Grandparents can sometimes be very crazy.
We love you, Chanty and will call you on your birthday. We know you
are planning to go to the beach but guess what? We have your phone
number!
~ Ama and Ito
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Proud Grandparents
David and Betty Mott AKA Ito Y Ama
Hereby
declare that anyone wishing to date our 18th year old granddaughter
must submit the following application prior to a scheduled telephone interview
The Beautiful
Chantalle
Daughter of the
incredible Rob and Haydee McBride
Sister
to the phenomenal Doctor-to-be Alicia McBride
Cannot and will not
be allowed to date any ole’ chamo unless said ole’ chamo complies with the
following:
Application
To be completed by prospective applicant in his own handwriting.
Application to
be submitted to Ito and Ama ten days before even approaching the gorgeous
Chantalle
McBride
Applicant must call
Ito and Ama @ 1-505-892-0043 to schedule telephone interview
APPLICATION TO
DATE CHANTALLE MCBRIDE
Please note:
All blanks must be filled, except where noted
1.
What are your anticipated inheritances? _______________________________
2.
Name of Bank and Balance at such bank _________________________
3.
Your Name ________________________________
4.
Your Nickname and why are you called that? _____________________
5.
Your Home Phone and Cell Phone____________________
6.
Address: City__________________State________
Country_______________
7. Date
of Birth _______________________________
8.
Place of Birth _________________________________
9.
Height _________________
10.
Weight _________________
11.
Grade Point Average _________________
12.
Name of High School or college now attending ________________________________
13.
How fast can you run 40 yards? ________________________________
14.
If you can’t run 40 yards, explain why not __________________________________
15.
Do you have one male and one female parent? __________________________________
16.
If you do not have one male and one female parent, explain __________________________
17.
What is father’s occupation? __________________________
Mother’s____________________
18.
Do you own or have access to:
a.
A van _________________
b.
A truck with oversized tires _________________
c.
A car stereo with sub-woofers _________________
d.
A waterbed _________________
19. Do you
wear:
a.
An Earring _________________
b. A
nose Ring _________________
c.
A belly button ring _________________
d. A
Tattoo _________________
Note: If your
answer is “yes” to any question in Section 18 or 19, discontinue the
application, and forget it, buddy! Get lost!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 25 words or less,
what does LATE mean to you? _________________________________________
Phone Number and Time
and Date we may telephone interview your:
Father
___________________________________
Mother
___________________________________
Minister or Priest
___________________________________
Next-door Neighbor
___________________________________
Fill in the
blanks below:
A woman’s place is in
___________________________________
When I meet a girl,
the first thing I notice about her is her ___________________________________
Note: If either
of these answers start with the letter “B” discontinue the application, and
forget it, buddy! Leave the premises. Get lost!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(In case you are
late)
Doctor’s name and
phone #___________________________________
Dentist’s name and
phone #___________________________________
Mortician’s name and
phone #___________________________________
This application must
be accompanied by a current photograph, complete financial statement, job
history or latest report card, a complete medical report and 18 red roses for
Chantalle.
Sign
here___________________Date___________
I swear that all the
above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge under penalty
of grandparents’ wrath and/or a shotgun.
Fingerprints – Left
Hand
Fingerprints – Right Hand
Please insure
application is submitted to David and Betty Mott AKA Ito Y Ama, whose pictures
are affixed hereto. After submitting to said grandparents @ 500 Exeter Ct
Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA, please allow three to five weeks for processing.
Do not forget a
current picture and 18 red roses for our gorgeous granddaughter must accompany
this application.
After processing is
complete by David and Betty Mott AKA Ito Y Ama, the following certificate
will be granted
Permission to
date the beautiful and talented Chantalle McBride
This certifies that
________________________________________
Has met all the
criteria to date our granddaughter Chantalle McBride
Date: ___________________
Valid for one date
only: 8:00 P.M.– 10:00 P.M.
Duly signed by
[s]David and Betty Mott aka Ito Y Ama
Happy Birthday, Rob.
I remember that
joyous day, June 8, 1962@ 2:38 A.M.
The tears I shed of
happiness said more than I could say
I thanked the lord
above for giving you to me
Then made a pledge
to care for you the very best I could
Could not think of
what to name this treasure of my heart
And took you home and
cared for you as Robert Hugh McBride
Through the years you
have blessed me much more than I could tell you
You have always been
so special in the things you say and do
It is easy to feel
nostalgic about the little boy you once were
It is even easier to
feel proud of the man you have become
Rob, you bring pride
to our family and joy to my heart
You are my blessing
and my love forever
You are my happy
memories of the past
My joyful moments of
the present
My hope and promise
of the future
You are my son, my
pride, and my friend
I pray your life
brings you the type of blessings you have brought to me.
I love you, Rob on
your birthday and everyday!
I said to David,
“There are so many things I wish I could tell Rob.” His pragmatic answer was:
“Tell him.”
Today, as I sit
here with tears of fear streaming down my face, my body weak and weary, I want
you to know I feel so fortunate to have you for a son.
I hate to disappoint
you by ever disagreeing with you because I know all you do pertaining to me is
done with great love. I cannot adequately begin to tell you what you mean to me
and how I value and trust you. Perhaps this is what made our talk this morning
so difficult.
I love your bright
face when we talk about serious subjects and love the fact you can laugh and
make me smile when together we are able to laugh at the inconsistencies we find
all around us and even with ourselves.
I love your eyes when
you are showing emotion. They become darker and brighter, like stars.
I love your mind
and the excitement you reveal when you discover new ideas and are discussing
new dreams you want to make realities.
Many people tell me
they cannot talk to their children and cannot wait for them to leave home. I
have never forgotten how much it hurt me to say Good Bye to you in front on
your dorm room at Boulder. Part of my heart, my joy and my happiness went with
you that day knowing I would not have the Mother’s pleasure of seeing and
sharing things with you every day.
I want you to know
that even when I give you “the look” which may sometimes dismay you, I enjoy
you so much, look forward to and treasure every moment we spend together. Not
only are you my adored son; you are also my friend.
I love that you
choose to come and spend time with me at this particular time. Your face, your
attitude, your beautiful smile bring me joy and a reason for wanting to keep on
fighting. It has been a special joy for me to watch you grow, change and
become such a beautiful person. I know you share this feeling watching your
beautiful girls grow, change and become the persons they want to be. Today I
felt the need to tell you how important you are in my life and how much I love
you. Never ever forget that!
God doesn’t give you
the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED – To help you, to hurt
you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant
to be.
Dear God:
The lady reading
this is beautiful, classy and strong, and I love her. Help her live her life
to the fullest. Please promote her and cause her to excel above her
expectations. Help her shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to
love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most, and
let her up when she needs you the most, and let her know when she walks with
you, She will be safe.
Love you,
Betty
September 9, 2009
A 21-yr Diamond
Beauty!
By this time every
year I have thought and thought about you and have written you a birthday
letter changing it over and over telling you exactly what you mean in my life
and telling you what I wanted you to know I felt. There is so much to say and
time is running short for me now. I procrastinated – which is never a good
thing. In two days I will be in the hospital and then what will be will be. To
tell you the truth my mind has been a little fuzzy from all the medications. I
find myself unable to concentrate and to read. My mind wanders. I don’t mind
telling you, it seems like my entire life is flashing right before my eyes. I
find myself thinking of my Mom and Dad, my sisters, my brothers, my Rob, my
Maya, my David, and my granddaughters - all my life-long friends.
Because this is
your 21st birthday it is a time I must set apart to realistically tell you how
I cherish your being. Alicia, my granddaughter who is exactly 50 years younger
than I am, as you grow older I feel closer to you and feel so happy in telling
you that somehow as these 21 years have gone by, you just keep growing, nicer,
smarter, and more wonderful. I no longer feel like I am talking to a child, I
am talking to an extraordinarily sensational girl who as William Wordsworth
says: “the child shall become father to the man.”
“The phrase means
that what we are when young gives shape and, in a sense, gives birth to what we
are when grown
MY heart leaps up
when I behold
A rainbow in the
sky:
So was it when my
life began,
So is it now I am a
man,
So be it when I shall
grow old
Or let me die!
The child is father
of the man:
And I could wish my
days to be
Bound each to each by
natural piety
It is the
spontaneously unselfish love of the small child which makes the transition to
full adulthood possible. Of course, this love often tends to be overshadowed
for a time by the almost too rapid growth of the competitively-trained adolescent intellect, and this unbalance of
mind and heart surely accounts for a great many of the pains of adolescence.
Yet to the degree that we guide our actions by our earliest, grandly unselfish,
outward-reaching love -- now immensely strengthened and broadened by our
knowledge and experience -- by so much does the true adult come to birth within
us. In this lies the inner meaning of the old saying that the child is the
father of the man. Just as a father deserves our respect, in the same way, the
child also deserves our respect. To me the phrase means that what we are when
young gives shape and, in a sense, gives birth to what we are when grown.”
This quotation came
so rapidly to me as I lay thinking of your foregone 21 years. Seems like we
never “baby-talked” to you. Though you were child- like in your behavior, you
always seemed to be more mature than those with whom you conversed. I often
wondered – Is she really that smart? Or do I just flatter myself thinking she
is because she is my granddaughter? I also prayed: “Lord, give her direction
to be of service to her fellowman.”As I have learned from your Dad – yes, the
child is father of this mom – remember these axioms: things we can never take
back.
- A stone we
throw
- A word we spoke
- An occasion which
has passed us by
- Time which has gone
by
And the four
Agreements by which I will faithfully try to live the remainder of my life.
- I will be
impeccable with my word
- I will not take
anything personally
- I will not make
assumptions
- I will always do my
very best
Alicia, I ask you
to pray for your little “ole”Ama and share with me the prayer which has become
my constant companion. I know my spirituality has sometimes wavered but has
always existed, thanks to my parents and to my teachers at Menaul School.
Somehow it has become more profound now! Why now? Perhaps my need is far greater
now. We tend to turn to God more when we are in great need. Should not be like
this but it is!
“Lord, it so easy
for me to be disheartened and discouraged. Look upon me with compassion as I
struggle with my emotions and my life. May I remember always that I am not
alone in my suffering and may I have the courage and openness to seek and
accept the help of others. I pray too for my loved ones, my friends, and
neighbors. I am grateful for their patience in loving and accepting me as I am
and for their courage in helping me face my problems. As together we begin to
heal the many hurts caused by this emotional turmoil I ask you to guide me to
the peace, love, serenity and union I can find only with you. If it is Thy
will, give me the life to see the greatness of Alicia, my 21-yr beautiful and
brilliant granddaughter whose life will certainly create changes which will be
beneficial to all mankind. Help me to trust and admonish her wise words:
“What we have here is a little bump in the road. My Dad always says attitude
turns problems into challenges; this is just a hurdle we have to overcome and
the better the attitude the higher we jump.” Yes, it is true – my granddaughter
has become my mentor. For this and for your caring, love and support I wish you
an early happy birthday. Your trip to *Europe with our sweetheart, Chanty,
will be something you will treasure forever. As 
your Dad says: “Have fun!” I love you,
Alicia!
* Alicia and Chanty’s
trip to Europe was cancelled at the last minute and they were able to spend
time with Ama instead. We still wonder if my mom somehow might have had a
“hand” in these events. : ) me
We know you were
heaven sent for us.
You have brought us
love and laughter.
You are wonderful,
as special as can be.
We saw your love
shining for us even when you were a tiny baby.
Your eyes spoke words
you could not say because during those
days you were only
“getting tinier.”
So let us tell you,
Chanty, our love for you continues to grow.
We are so proud of
you as you start your University studies.
Take care of
yourself, sweet granddaughter of ours.
Be healthy, wise, and
sweet. Study hard and always do your best.
“Be true to
yourself,” and as your Daddy says “have fun” in all you do.
We will be thinking
of you on Monday, your first day at the University.
You will look back on
these forthcoming days as the best time in your life.
Dear Haydee, Alicia,
and Chanty,
I have thought so
much about you recently. Today by the time I got up Ito had printed your
letter for me, Haydee. As always, I am so happy to hear from all of
you. Chanty, your messages delight me. Thank you, Chanty and
Alicia, for sharing part of your time with us this summer. I can’t think
of too many grandmothers whose granddaughters are so loving and caring. I
was pleased to see you were able to have a good time with your McBride cousins
while you were here. Chanty, Your beautiful birthday gift adorns my
coffee table; Alicia, Piglet reminds me to be strong and sleeps with me every
night.
Chanty’s work of
art who knows exactly what Ama like on her birthday
Haydee, you are
responsible for so much happiness in my life. You have given me the most
priceless gifts – my granddaughters. You have loved and encouraged my Rob.
You have been kind
and shown respect for me both me and Ito. We do not have to be close in
distance to be close in spirit. Think of the many families who live in
the same town and sometimes in the same street and they do not share the love
and affection we have for each other. I have been blessed with three
wonderful sisters, a daughter and a little Laura who lights my heart every time
I see her. Because of you, Ito and I have traveled and seen places we
would have never seen before. Also, because of you, we have met wonderful
people who have become integral parts of our lives. I loved spending time with
you, Alicia and Chanty, recently and learned so much more about each of you.
There are
circumstances which happen in our lives and we wish with all our heart that we
could erase them. Unfortunately, we cannot do that. One thing we do
know is those instances which bring us pain are the often the circumstances
which teach us the most. So let us be positive and forgive ourselves for
deeds we have done and regretted. Until we forgive ourselves we cannot
forgive each other.
Some days I feel very
good and other days are not as pleasant. I do know Rob’s laughter brings
much love to both me and Ito.
How can I say thank
you to the one person who thinks of me day and night? I know you do and you
never fail to show it. With you I can share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
So many many happy memories with you, Joan. We have laughed together, cried
together and been together in good times and in times of sorrow. I truly
believe you and I have shared more than most sisters can ever dream about.
You are special now
and forever! Truly love you/Bmt
Dear Rob and Maya: 2/11/09
Mom’s life was total devotion to us and to
our children.
Her life may not have been as glamorous as
some.
What's left when we have no Mom to call?
I think of her more so on Saturday mornings.
It was our time – our time to chat and laugh.
She loved too well; perhaps that’s why we
miss her.
She was all bright loveliness to me and to
you.
Without her much that is golden is gone from
our days.
It’s been 24 years and I miss her far more than you will ever know.
Even as I write this, my tears for her flow
inconsolably.
Every year on her birthday I do something I
know would please her.
Joan and I still call each other and say:
“Happy Birthday, Mom.”
It is always a race to see who calls first –
just as we tried to be the first to call her on her day.
This year I will see my 91-year old Katie,
who is still playing golf.
More importantly, I will take Gili Guy, who
is out of school for the afternoon, for lunch.
I know my being with Joanie’s grandson would
make Mom incredibly happy.
Rob and Maya, tell Alicia, Chanty and Laura
about your wonderful Grandma Bea and never stop remembering her and loving her,
as she loved us. /Mom
Rob, how could you ever have been that little! She loved
seeing you play little league, worried about your being on your knees all the
time as catcher and loved watching you in YAFL.
Maya, you made her laugh when you gave her Rob’s big brass cow
bell and told her “Grandma, put this by your bed and ring it very loudly at
night if you need me. I’ll come running.”
She was truly a “lady” in every sense of the word. She was my
Mom; I loved her and miss her still.
For years we have
shared precious moments of friendship and love. I want you to know how much
these relationships have meant to me. During one’s lifetime we discover we
have many acquaintances but very few true friends. When you ask God for a
gift, be thankful if he sends, not diamonds, nor pearls nor riches, but the
love of real true friends. I treasure and thank you for the times spent with
you – the laughter, the joy and now a sad message where we might share a tear
or two.
David has kept you
informed about my bout with this dreadful disease. I am so grateful to have
him in my life and for the information he has shared on my behalf with you. On
Thursday, September 10, our oncologist, David and I, knowing the cancer has
spread widely and knowing my prognosis is very poor (as in three – eight
months) have determined to treat this killer disease merely with palliative
pain control; i.e., no chemo. The oncologist informed us the chemo has not been
shown to provide quality of life for my incurable Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
One of the most
significant statements I heard from the good doctor is “if you have lived a
good life; you will die a good death, surrounded by the love and support of
friends and family, who will attempt to mirror the love you have shared
throughout your life.” Your letters, telephone calls, e-mails, flowers, fruit,
cards, pictures, porcelain angels, prayers and good thoughts have certainly
brought me a wealth of good feelings and rejuvenated my spirit and soul.
With the help of my
incredible husband, partner, lover, and friend I will attempt to wake up each
morning giving thanks for the life I have lived and the friends I have. Every
day for 21 years David has in some way or another shown me how important I am
to him and how much he loves me. I want you to know how important you are to me
and how much I love you.
Marie Elizabeth
(Please call me “Betty”)Vigil, McBride, Mott, Moatts. Wish you could have been
a little fly on the wall seeing David poke me and saying “Baby, I think they
are calling you.” I have been Marie, Marie Moat, Mary Moatts, Elizabeth
McBride Mott. Never have they asked for “Betty.” You would have had a
wonderful chuckle (as David, Maya and Rob did) in the hospital when in my
anesthetic stupor I refused to acknowledge I was Mary Moatts. That took the
cake! I think I told the nurse I had never heard of that person.
Again, thank you for
sharing my life and my love and for being my friend.
Sincerely – Betty
September 27, 2009
Beautiful Chantalle
On Thursday you will
be leaving me to go back home to Venezuela. I want you to know that having you
with us has been God’s sending us a ray of sunshine into our world, when we
were saddened by all the current events.
Chantalle, having you
as a Granddaughter is my gift to hold forever just as one would treasure gold.
Your dad gave me the most precious of gifts. No wonder we love you, “our
precious moment.”
Your smile brings
me rainbows of happiness even in my loneliest of days. Thank you so much for
all you do for both Ito and me. As years have passed you have grown more
special every day. We love you more and more. No words can describe the warm
memories, the pride and the gratitude we feel from having you as our beautiful,
intelligent, kind, and thoughtful Chanty. As I have already said: you are “my
precious moment.”
Sweet Alicia,
Dear Alicia: I have
read and re-read this. Don’t really know who wrote it but I wanted to share
these thoughts with you.
You will be leaving
me to go back home to Venezuela on Thursday. This month will always be one of
the most memorable in my life. Your Father has given me much; giving me a
granddaughter like you is truly a gift from heaven.
Always know Ama has
loved you from the day you were born. This love will continue. Read the
following words and know they come from the heart from someone who adores you.
As you continue your life’s journey, appreciate the love, encouragement and
incredible faith we have all had for you. You will be successful; of that I am
certain. Most importantly, encourage your Father, Mother, and Sister in 
the same manner they have always fostered your
emotional and educational growth. Be proud of what they have had to do to make
your dreams come true. Parents come in all sizes and forms. You are truly the
lucky one because your Mom and Dad are unique and unlike any other parents I
know. You might say I truly believe in them right? I can’t say enough about my
beloved son, your father. Remember your Mom, Dad, and Sister need encouragement
from time to time as well.
Thanks for spending
your 21st birthday with me and for the love and encouragement you have given to
me the entire time you have been here.
This poem is for both
of you:
“If tomorrow starts
without me,
And I'm not there to
see,
If the sun should
rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears
for me;
I wish so much you
wouldn't cry
The way you did
today,
While thinking of the
many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you
love me,
As much as I love you,
and each time that
you think of me,
I know you'll miss me
too.
But when tomorrow
starts without me,
Please try to
understand,
That an angel came
and called my name,
And took me by the
hand,
and said my place was
ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to
leave behind
All those I dearly
love.
But as I turned to
walk away,
A tear fell from my
eye
For all my life, I'd
always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live
for,
So much left yet to
do,
It seemed almost
impossible,
That I was leaving
you.
I thought of all the
yesterdays
The good ones and the
bad,
I thought of all the
love we shared,
and all the fun we
had
If I could relive
yesterday
Just even for a
while,
I'd say good-bye and
kiss you
And maybe see you
smile.
But then I fully
realized,
That this could never
be,
For emptiness and
memories,
would take the place
of me.
And when I thought
of worldly things,
I might miss come
tomorrow,
I thought of you, and
when I did,
My heart was filled
with sorrow.
But when I walked
through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at
home
When God looked down
and smiled at me,
From His great golden
throne.
He said, "This
is eternity,
And all I've promised
you."
Today your life on
earth is past,
But here life starts
anew
I promise no
tomorrow,
But today will always
last,
And since each day's
the same way
There's no longing
for the past.
You have been so
faithful,
So trusting and so
true.
Though there were
times
You did some things
You knew you
shouldn't do.
But you have been
forgiven
And now at last
you're free.
So won't you come and
take my hand
And share my life
with me?
So when tomorrow
starts without me,
Don't think we're far
apart,
For every time you
think of me,
I'm right here, in
your heart.”
Author believed to be
~ David Romano
Through the early
morning light so clear, magnificent and bright,
A tiny bud pushes
through branches which hold it straight and true.
A miracle to behold
as it makes its own way bravely through the fold.
At first
insignificant and small, to the naked eye barely perceptible at all.
Then by some magical
trance, the bud bursts forth boldly to take a stance.
Replete with
confidence and power, it comes forth to become a flower.
The bright shining
sun it seeks, not once considering being timid nor meek.
Its mission and path
are clear for it has a deep seeded need and has no fear.
To the heavens above
it pushes forth knowing exactly in each instant its north.
A burning desire is
stirred from within to bring beauty and splendor despite the din.
Then one day in the
middle of the entire fray, the bud bursts bravely open as if to say:
“This is my mission
and this is my day to come into the world replete with decision!”
And as the petals one
by one softly unfold, they are certainly a sight to behold.
Such delicate
splendor and grace amid what we typically call the “rat race.”
The sun continues to
shine making the journey exquisite and oh, so fine.
And then one day
after glowing so great, it begins to lose its shape.
The petals once so
smooth and silky now appear lifeless and milky.
As the petals begin
to shake and fall, we now know that this is all.
And so like the
flower, we eventually come down from our tower.
From burning brazen
and bright, as we slip gently into the night.
~ Rob
16 Sep 2009
Lunar Letter
(September 2009)
In 1988, Bobby
McFerrin took the phrase, “Don’t worry, be happy,” from Meher Baba and
converted it into a song which hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Is it possible to not
worry and be happy?
It is possible and
the proof is we have each been able to achieve this worthy ideal at some point
in our lives. Establishing a pattern which permits us to be happy instead of
worried can give rise to effective action which positively influences and determines
our destiny.
Why do we worry?
While each situation
is different, it tends to be the lack of something. We can express it in terms
of “Not Having” a particular condition or feeling. If we are worried about a
poor result on an exam, it’s because we “Don’t Have” the knowledge necessary.
If we are worried about a bill which is due, it’s because we “Don’t Have”
enough money. If we are worried about an interview we are about to have, it’s
because we “Don’t Have” enough preparation. If we are worried about what
happens when we pass from this reality which we call life to another reality
which is yet unknown, it’s because we “Don’t Have” certainty of what is going
happen.
How can we be happy?
While the
possibilities are endless, it has to do with “Having” something. We are happy
because we “Have” enough knowledge which allows us to shine on an exam. We are
happy because we “Have” enough money to pay our bills. We are happy because we
“Have” the preparation necessary for a positive result on an interview. We are happy
because we “Have” our own faith about what will happen when we pass from this
reality we call life.
It is possible to not
worry and be happy when we focus on what we “Have” instead of what we “Don’t
Have.” If we are worried about a poor result on an exam, we can focus on the
brain we “Have” and the capacity we “Have” to increase our knowledge. If we are
worried about a pending bill, we can focus on the mind we “Have” and creativity
we “Have” to make money. If we are worried about an interview, we can focus on
the experience we “Have” and the common sense we “Have” to better prepare
ourselves for the encounter. If we are worried about the only thing which
really lurks beyond for everyone regardless of color, race, creed or economic
status, we can focus on the faith we “Have” or in this instant which we “Have”
or on the wonderful memories we “Have” or the children we “Have” or the
positive relationships we “Have” or in the magic in each and every moment we
can “Have” in an instant.
In a phrase, “Life
is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take
our breath away.” These moments come from what we “Have” and not from what we
“Don’t Have.” Don’t worry, be happy because we all can be thankful for the many
things we “Have!”
That
is a great picture of you and Betty!!!
Dad
Dear Rob, I enjoy your Lunar Letters.
Your Dedication, as your Mom put it, brought the "cry babies" to my
home today. She is looking forward to your gals visit. I'm still
talking to her every morning. Was good seeing you. Love, Aunt jbb
August 3, 2009
Hi Ama and Ito!!!
How are you guys? How
have you been doing??
I know I've been in
touch by text message because it's faster, but a good letter is necessary every
once in a while don't you think?
This weekend I
haven't been feeling very good... Had a cold and a tummy ache and I spent most
of the weekend in bed :s ... I'm feeling a little better now, though I still
have a headache that's bugging me...
Last week I got my
ear pierced!! On the top part of the ear, the cartilage. Right now it's swollen
and red, and it hurts if I lie on it accidentally haha, but I'm taking good
care of it and it should be all healed and pretty in no time. I've been wanting
to get it pierced for a long long time!! But my Dad always said that I have
enough holes in my head (of course he was counting my ears, eyes, nose and
mouth :p). I finally got permission and took advantage of the first chance I
got!
I really miss you
both and in times like these, I miss you so much more... I wish I were there
with you to hold your hand, talk to you, be with you... It makes me sad to find
out about everything from so far away. Always know that I'm with you in heart
and spirit, I'm here for whatever you need, anytime. We all just have to be
brave and patient.
I love you both so
much, I wish we could be with you right now... Since my Dad is going, he can be
there for all of us and send you our love... :D
Be brave piglets!!
August 17, 2009
Hi Ama and Ito!
Last week I was at a summer camp in a town called Carupano, east of Caracas,
and this week I'm on the other side, in Valencia. As we drive towards the
sunrise to pick up the kids for today's activities, I've been rereading your
emails and thinking of you.
I can't help having tears in my eyes as I write because I know how scared you
must be. And I know that fear is not about a tumor and it's not about surgery,
the fear we all feel now is one of anticipation and uncertainty. We fear the
unknown. We can never be completely sure of what's going to happen from one day
to the next.
At times like these I remember one of the most important things I've ever
learned in the short life I've led so far: Attitude. You might say that it's
something I learned from my Dad, but he only helped nurture a seed you planted.
I'll never forget one time you came to Venezuela and I had an awards ceremony
at my school, I was nervous because I wanted the top prize for my year and was
afraid I wouldn't get it. You gave me a pin that says Attitude and you told me
to not worry about getting the prize or not, what matters is how I feel about
myself and what I've accomplished. It's all we can do, the only thing we can
change, the outcome of the situation is ultimately out of our hands but a good
attitude will always improve the end result. If I don't get the prize I'm
satisfied with myself because I know I did the best I could and if I do get the
prize I'm so much happier because I got my cherry on top of my perfect sundae.
What we have here is
a little bump in the road. My Dad always says attitude turns problems into
challenges, this is just a hurdle we have to overcome and the better the
attitude the higher we jump.
Well the kids are
starting to arrive and I shouldn't be using my phone so much... Talk to you
laters!
Be brave piglets!
Thanks, Rob, for always forwarding your
lunar letters. This last one is so "apropos." I take long
walks every day, and I have been praying a lot and so hard for Betty. I
am so sad, and both Tommy and I think of her every minute of every day.
She is so special in our lives. She is the one who has managed to
keep us all apprised of each other's events, good and bad. I have always
felt that I knew your family so well because Betty told us so much of her
and David's trip to visit you, and she always described in detail everything
about their visit and how she loved your daughters and how much they mean to
her. I have a heaviness in my heart and a sadness for all she has gone
though these last few weeks. I want to say, "be still my
heart," and dear God take care of Betty, Love you Rob - - our best
to you and your family. We will continue to pray so hard for Betty.
We love her so much! love, ej
Dear Betts, There
are a few things that "dreadful disease" that has invaded my little
sister's body cannot destroy, which is the beautiful way you have of putting
into words what most of us only think.
Betts you are such an
important part of my life now, and have been, going back to Mom and Dad's
days.
I have always
treasured our times together especially the times you and I and Mom shared.
Even the times we spent with Mom in that Alamosa Motel when Dad was in the
hospital.
Betts I'm so very
grateful Our Marine landed on Exeter Court, as I know for sure He will take
care of you. I love you both. Bueno, jbb
Hello how are you?
I’ve wanted to write you but i have been so busy leatly with my job and
patients and stuffs but that doesn`t mean that I haven’t been thinking about
you guys, specially thinking about ama. I wanted to say to you both that in
this moments of uncertainty and doubt about what’s the right thing to do or why
things happens and so other questions we could ask to ourselves the best thing
we can do is to have faith; faith in that God knows why things happens even
when we don´t understand them, faith in that what ever happens it will be god’s
will and it will be for the best even when it doesn’t seem to be that way. The
one thing i regret the most about broking up with alice is that I’m not a part
of your family any more, but that doesn’t mean that i`m not here for you for
any thing that I could be helpful or that something changed about what I feel
for you. Ama, you really made a place into my life that i will never forget,
and i wanted you to know that I always remerber you in my prayers. I love you
so very much, and I’ll always be here for anything.
As
usual, your Lunar Letter seemed to be meant just for me. Our
daughter passed away 4 wks. ago, so we've had some real challenges, as you can
expect.
When
I sent out email about the death of our daughter, I had replies from everyone,
except Betty and David. I just assumed that they were
traveling....perhaps visiting you and your family as they always loved to
do. However, I am shocked to read that Betty has serious health
challenges. Do you feel comfortable telling me what's going on or
do you prefer that I just call or email David to find out from him.
My
husband (Waymon) and I played golf with B&D on Saturdays for several months
after both men retired. Then I just dropped my membership from the Club
to help with my granddaughter since my daughter was sick. She had been
sick for 1 1/2 yrs. before she passed away, so that was taking a lot of my time
and attention.
I
will definitely remember Betty in my prayers and it will help me through my
difficult times to focus on sending my positive energy to her, as I need to
focus on OTHERS and not myself.
Dear
Rob
I have said a silent prayer for your mother Betty Mott that she may find the
inner strength in herself to face the challenges and pains of each new day.
May your support and those of you who love her lighten her burden.
Kind regards
Great
picture of you and your Mom. I'll never forget the trip donw to Mexico when we
stopped at your home and she made us Chili.
Thanks
for sharing the thought…
I am
sure that your mother will definitely come off…being such a positive person…
Our
prayers too…
How
can I help?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 10:11am
Thank
you all for your thoughts and prayers for my mom...
In this type of situation the heartfelt question, "How can I help?"
is frequently asked...
I have a perfect way that you can help in this trying time. All you need to is
simply think back to what you remember about my mom and send me a note here on
Facebook or to my e-mail which is:
rob@inspire.com.ve
You can start your message with...
"What I remember about Betty is..."
You can
write down a specific experience or what you remember in general. It can be a
"toast" or it can be a "roast." Afterwards I will print
them out and when she is feeling a bit better, it will give her some great
memories which in some cases will no doubt make her cry and in others make her
laugh.
Here go some of my thoughts...
What I remember about my mom is the way she used to "correct" my
papers right when I was ready to turn them in during high school causing me to
do them all over again the "right" way.
What I remember about my mom is her infectious smile which
"contaminated" everybody in sight.
What I remember about my mom is her story about the photographer who told her,
"Tone it down a little lady," referring to her smile as he was about
to take her picture.
What I remember about my mom is how she was always there for me in troubled
times and to celebrate my victories.
What I remember about my mom is her tireless dedication to her mother and
father when they needed her most.
What I remember about my mom is her unwavering support to me in my new found
profession as an author and a speaker.
What I remember about my mom is her desire to have her home impeccably clean
and organized.
What I remember about my mom is her wonderful attitude about 
life.
My beautiful mom, Betty Mott,
the one
with the "infectious" smile!
That's pretty powerful Robbie, and what a beautiful photo.
Thanks for doing this, she'll love it!!
Just call me Betty
/ by Rob McBride. 
